GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Hacking Industry Statistics

The hacking industry is on the rise, with cybercrime increasing at a rapid pace and presenting a growing threat to individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.

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Highlights: Hacking Industry Statistics

  • Approximately 80,000 people are hacking as their full-time job worldwide, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
  • 86% of hackers do not use standard hacking tools and develop their own, stated a report by Positive Technologies.
  • Hacking industry annual revenue is projected to hit $6 trillion by 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
  • 94% of companies experienced some sort of external threat, according to Cybersecurity Insights.
  • About 59% of companies experienced malicious code and botnets and 51% experienced denial of service attacks, according to the Ponemon Institute.
  • 54% of companies experienced damage of over $500,000 due to a cyber attack, as per a report by Cisco.
  • 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, as stated by Cybint Solutions.
  • 64% of Americans have never checked to see if they were affected by a data breach, according to cybersecurity firm Varonis.
  • Hackers attack every 39 seconds, according to a Clark School study at the University of Maryland.
  • As per Norton Cyber Security, 978 million people in 20 countries were affected by cyber crime in 2017.
  • According to data from PreciseSecurity, hackers stole around $92.93 billion in 2019 through cryptocurrency-related crimes.
  • Cyber crime damage costs are predicted to hit $6 trillion annually by 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
  • Data breaches exposed 4.1 billion records in the first half of 2019, as stated by Risked Based Security.
  • Only 5% of companies’ folders are properly protected, on average, according to Varonis.
  • Almost 90% of login attempts on online retailers’ websites are hackers trying to steal data, as reported by Shape Security.
  • 20% of all cybersecurity incidents in 2019 were related to ransomware, according to IBM.

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The Latest Hacking Industry Statistics Explained

Approximately 80,000 people are hacking as their full-time job worldwide, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

The statistic stating that approximately 80,000 people are engaging in hacking as their full-time job worldwide, as reported by Cybersecurity Ventures, highlights the concerning prevalence and scope of cybercrime activities globally. This figure underscores the significant scale of organized cybercriminal networks and the growing sophistication of malicious actors operating within the cyberspace. The emergence of hacking as a full-time profession for a substantial number of individuals further emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures and proactive strategies to mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats. This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced in safeguarding information and systems against cyber attacks and underscores the critical importance of continuous vigilance and investment in cybersecurity efforts to protect against illicit online activities.

86% of hackers do not use standard hacking tools and develop their own, stated a report by Positive Technologies.

The statistic that 86% of hackers do not use standard hacking tools and instead develop their own, as reported by Positive Technologies, suggests that a significant majority of hackers prefer to create their custom tools for malicious activities rather than relying on existing software. This finding underscores the high level of skill and creativity possessed by many hackers, enabling them to tailor their tools to specific targets and evade detection by security measures that may be designed to detect commonly used hacking software. The fact that a large proportion of hackers opt for customized tools highlights the evolving and adaptive nature of cyber threats, reinforcing the need for organizations to continuously enhance their cybersecurity defenses to mitigate such sophisticated attacks.

Hacking industry annual revenue is projected to hit $6 trillion by 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

The statistic “Hacking industry annual revenue is projected to hit $6 trillion by 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures” highlights the significant financial impact of cybercrime on the global economy. The projection reflects the growing sophistication and prevalence of cyber attacks, leading to increased revenues for hackers who engage in illegal activities such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and identity theft. This statistic serves as a warning to individuals, organizations, and governments about the escalating threat posed by cybercrime, emphasizing the urgent need for investment in cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure from malicious actors.

94% of companies experienced some sort of external threat, according to Cybersecurity Insights.

The statistic “94% of companies experienced some sort of external threat, according to Cybersecurity Insights” suggests a high prevalence of external threats impacting organizations. This statistic implies that the vast majority of companies have encountered cybersecurity incidents originating from sources outside their own networks, such as hackers, malware, or other malicious activities. It highlights the widespread nature of cybersecurity risks faced by businesses in today’s digital landscape, emphasizing the critical importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect against potential breaches that could compromise business operations and damage reputation.

About 59% of companies experienced malicious code and botnets and 51% experienced denial of service attacks, according to the Ponemon Institute.

The statistic reveals that a significant portion of companies, around 59%, have encountered malicious code and botnets, while approximately 51% have experienced denial of service attacks, based on research conducted by the Ponemon Institute. This data highlights the prevalent threat landscape that organizations face in terms of cybersecurity breaches, with a substantial number being targeted by various forms of cyber attacks. It underscores the importance for businesses to implement robust security measures to protect their systems and data from such malicious activities, as these attacks can have severe implications on the operational continuity and integrity of the affected organizations.

54% of companies experienced damage of over $500,000 due to a cyber attack, as per a report by Cisco.

The statistic stating that 54% of companies experienced damage of over $500,000 due to a cyber attack, as reported by Cisco, highlights the significant financial impact that cyber attacks can have on organizations. This statistic underscores the growing threat of cyber attacks and the potential costs associated with mitigating the damages inflicted by such malicious activities. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and investing in cyber defense strategies to protect businesses from costly breaches that can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and damage reputation. The high percentage of companies experiencing significant financial losses underscores the need for continuous vigilance and proactive cybersecurity efforts in today’s interconnected digital landscape.

43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, as stated by Cybint Solutions.

The statistic that 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, as stated by Cybint Solutions, highlights the significant vulnerability faced by small businesses in the realm of cybersecurity. This data suggests that a substantial portion of cybercriminal activity is directed towards smaller companies, likely due to their limited resources and possibly weaker security defenses compared to larger enterprises. The statistic underscores the urgent need for small businesses to prioritize and invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive information and assets from malicious attacks, which can have devastating financial and reputational consequences.

64% of Americans have never checked to see if they were affected by a data breach, according to cybersecurity firm Varonis.

This statistic indicates that a significant portion of the American population, specifically 64%, has never taken the proactive step to check whether they have been impacted by a data breach, according to a report by the cybersecurity company Varonis. This lack of awareness or action could potentially leave individuals vulnerable to identity theft, financial fraud, or other privacy breaches resulting from data breaches. It highlights a concerning gap in cybersecurity awareness and proactive measures among a substantial portion of the population, emphasizing the need for increased education and vigilance around data security practices and the importance of regularly monitoring personal information for potential breaches.

Hackers attack every 39 seconds, according to a Clark School study at the University of Maryland.

The statistic that hackers attack every 39 seconds, as reported by a study conducted at the Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, is a concerning indication of the constant and pervasive threat posed by cyber attacks. This statistic highlights the frequency at which malicious actors are actively attempting to breach systems and compromise data security. The 39-second interval underscores the need for organizations and individuals to prioritize cybersecurity measures and remain vigilant in protecting their digital assets. By raising awareness about the relentless pace of cyber attacks, this statistic emphasizes the importance of implementing robust security protocols and staying informed about emerging threats to mitigate the risk of falling victim to malicious activities in the digital realm.

As per Norton Cyber Security, 978 million people in 20 countries were affected by cyber crime in 2017.

The statistic from Norton Cyber Security states that in 2017, a staggering 978 million individuals in 20 different countries were impacted by cybercrime. This means that a significant portion of the global population fell victim to various forms of online criminal activities such as hacking, phishing, identity theft, malware attacks, and more. The high number of affected individuals highlights the pervasive and widespread nature of cyber threats in today’s digital age. As technology continues to advance and our reliance on digital tools grows, it is essential for individuals, organizations, and governments to prioritize cybersecurity measures to combat and mitigate the risks associated with cybercrime.

According to data from PreciseSecurity, hackers stole around $92.93 billion in 2019 through cryptocurrency-related crimes.

The statistic indicates that hackers were responsible for illicitly obtaining approximately $92.93 billion in 2019 through activities related to cryptocurrencies. This significant sum represents the financial impact of cybercrimes such as theft, fraud, and hacking in the cryptocurrency space. The data highlights the growing prevalence and sophistication of cyber threats targeting digital assets and the need for heightened security measures and vigilance within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The substantial amount stolen underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity practices to protect against malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital currencies.

Cyber crime damage costs are predicted to hit $6 trillion annually by 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.

The statistic suggests that the financial impact of cyber crime is expected to increase significantly, with projected costs reaching $6 trillion annually by 2021. This data, provided by Cybersecurity Ventures, highlights the growing threat posed by cyber crime to individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. The predicted rise in damage costs serves as a stark reminder of the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber attacks and mitigate potential financial losses. It emphasizes the need for organizations and individuals to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their digital assets from evolving cyber threats.

Data breaches exposed 4.1 billion records in the first half of 2019, as stated by Risked Based Security.

The statistic that data breaches exposed 4.1 billion records in the first half of 2019, as reported by Risk Based Security, indicates a significant and alarming trend in cybersecurity incidents. This data suggests that a large number of sensitive information, such as personal and financial data, was compromised during this period. The sheer volume of records exposed highlights the pervasive threat of data breaches in today’s digital landscape and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect individuals and organizations from potential risks and damages associated with such incidents. It emphasizes the critical need for continuous vigilance and proactive steps to enhance data security and privacy safeguards.

Only 5% of companies’ folders are properly protected, on average, according to Varonis.

This statistic suggests that a majority of companies are not adequately protecting their digital data and information stored within their folders. Specifically, the statement indicates that only 5% of companies have implemented suitable security measures to safeguard the contents of their folders, on average. This highlights a concerning lack of cybersecurity practices among organizations, leaving them vulnerable to potential breaches, data theft, and other cyber threats. Companies should take proactive steps to prioritize data security and enhance their protective measures to mitigate risks and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their sensitive information.

Almost 90% of login attempts on online retailers’ websites are hackers trying to steal data, as reported by Shape Security.

The statistic that almost 90% of login attempts on online retailers’ websites are hackers trying to steal data, as reported by Shape Security, highlights the pervasive and persistent threat posed by cybercriminals in the e-commerce sector. This alarming figure suggests that a vast majority of login activities on these websites are not legitimate users but rather malicious actors attempting to gain unauthorized access for fraudulent purposes. Such high levels of fraudulent login attempts underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, such as multi-factor authentication and continuous monitoring, to safeguard sensitive customer information and prevent data breaches in the online retail industry. This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for retailers to prioritize cybersecurity protocols and defense mechanisms to protect both their businesses and customers from cyber threats.

20% of all cybersecurity incidents in 2019 were related to ransomware, according to IBM.

The statistic that 20% of all cybersecurity incidents in 2019 were related to ransomware, as reported by IBM, highlights the considerable impact of ransomware attacks within the cybersecurity landscape during that year. Ransomware refers to malicious software that encrypts a victim’s data and demands payment for its release. This statistic indicates a significant trend where a notable portion of cybersecurity incidents involved ransomware, emphasizing the growing threat posed by such attacks to individuals, organizations, and society at large. It underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, vigilance, and proactive defense strategies to mitigate the risks associated with ransomware and safeguard sensitive information and systems against potential exploits.

References

0. – https://www.www.precisesecurity.com

1. – https://www.www.norton.com

2. – https://www.eng.umd.edu

3. – https://www.www.cybintsolutions.com

4. – https://www.shapesecurity.com

5. – https://www.www.cybersecurity-insiders.com

6. – https://www.www.ibm.com

7. – https://www.www.businessinsider.com.au

8. – https://www.www.riskbasedsecurity.com

9. – https://www.www.ptsecurity.com

10. – https://www.www.varonis.com

11. – https://www.www.ponemon.org

12. – https://www.www.cisco.com

13. – https://www.cybersecurityventures.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

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